“I miss you too, Ollie.”
“Since you’ve been gone, I’ve often found myself wishing we could go back to the days when we were children.”
“Those were good days,” I agreed. Carefree and easy.
“Did you ever think we would grow up and attend a stuffy house party?” He raised his nose in the air and glanced down at me.
I stifled a laugh. “Never.”
The gravel crunched beneath his boots as we continued down the path. “What do you think everyone would think if I were to chase you through this garden?”
“I daresay it would cause quite a stir. But it would be diverting, wouldn’t it?”
“Indeed.” He rewarded me with a smile, the dimple in his chin fully on display. He slowed his step as we neared the most beautiful red-rose bush. “And what do you think they would say if I were to pick you a rose?”
I glanced at him sideways, trying to decipher whether he was still only trying to be funny or flirting.
He flashed me a capricious smile, and I knew it was the former. Relief flowed through me like a river. “Well,” I said in my snootiest voice, “they are quite lovely. You could hardly be blamed.”
“In that case . . .” He made a show of selecting a rose, then gave it to me with a flourish.
“Why thank you, Mr. Jennings.”
“It is my pleasure, Miss Kent.”
And before I knew what was happening, he took my hand in his and placed a whisper of a kiss on my knuckles. It was not lingering, nor did it contain any hint of love, but from a distance, it might look that way.
I glanced around to see if anyone had observed his childish antics, and my gaze immediately landed on Damon. He’d seen. His gaze lingered on me a moment, and then he turned his attention back to Lady Margaret. But he’d seen.
Ollie straightened.
“It looks like the company is moving inside. I’d best go change for dinner,” I said.
“May I escort you into the dining hall tonight?” he asked.
I nodded. “I would like that.”
“As would I.” He offered me his arm, and as we made our way back toward the manor, and though my heart still hurt from seeing Damon in his new life, there was a tiny spark of hope that perhaps Ollie and I were on the path to regaining our friendship.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Directly after the welcome luncheon,Henry, Georgiana, and I were shown to our rooms.
“Oh, Henry! It is lovely,” Georgiana exclaimed. “Captain Bromley must think highly of you, husband. We are so close to the grand staircase. And look! There is even an attached room for Hannah.”
I followed Georgiana into the antechamber. It had most likely been used originally as a sitting room or a nursery for a new baby. Though neither room was large, both were well maintained and decorated in the latest fashion.
“Are you satisfied, my love?” Henry asked Georgiana.
“Exceedingly.” She smiled.
“I am glad to hear that because your maid has already unpacked all your trunks.”
Georgiana removed her hat and gloves, then sat on a settee. “Hannah, come sit with me.” She patted the bench, motioning for me to join her.
I glanced at Henry, hoping he’d swoop in to save me from whatever conversation Georgiana planned to entrap me in, but he’d moved to the window, and his back was to me.
There was nothing for it. I untied my bonnet and sat beside her.
